Diversity Equity Inclusion and Accessibility DEIA Advisor Consultancy

Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic fastgrowing global development firm that specializes in education economic growth governance and postcrisis stabilization. Based in Chevy Chase MD (metro DC area) Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department among others. Since its founding in 1977 Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is wellregarded by competitors and partners alike.

Creative is soliciting offers for technical expertise in accordance with the Scope of Work below and Creatives Renewable Consultant Agreement Terms and Conditions available here. Creative intends to award one or more Work Orders with accompanying Renewable Consultant Agreement(s) (RCA(s)) under which work may be negotiated and awarded as ad hoc level of effort (LOE) or onetime LOE or fixedprice performancebased activities. Creative reserves the right to make multiple awards or no award as a result of this solicitation.

Summary:

The DEIA Advisor will play a pivotal role in integrating gender equality and social inclusion strategies within our programming in Northeast Syria. The advisor will work closely with local councils including Raqqa Civil Council (RCC) Tabqa Civil Council (ECT) Deir Ezzor Civil Council (DCC) and AlJazeera Civil Council (ECJR) to develop and implement effective DEIA strategies and interventions particularly focusing on removing barriers to womens participation in the labor market.

RFQ closing date: August 31 2024 at 05:00 PM EST (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)

Estimated period of performance: 09/01/2024 to 03/01/2025

Estimated Level of Effort: N/A

Reporting: The consultant will report to the Senior Program Manager.

Travel Anticipated No.

If yes travel to Danger Pay locations anticipated No.

Tasks

Tasks To Be Performed:

• Conduct thorough DEIA analyses to identify key issues and opportunities for integration into programming including capacitybuilding/training activities and other DEIA related activities. A specific focus should be given to the five priorities of the Gender Equity and Equality Action (GEEA) Fund.
• Review relevant policies procedures and documents related to gender equality and social inclusion and ensure that the identified strategies are evidencebased contextspecific and aligned with relevant program objectives.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on best practices for integrating DEIA into project planning implementation and evaluation of FURAT programming.
• Facilitate capacity building and training sessions for project staff and local partners on communication and DEIA principles and practices.
• Collaborate with local councils in Northeast Syria to suggest specific strategies to tailor DEIA approaches that meet the specific needs of their communities.
• Collaborate with Community Based Organization (CBOs) to advance DEIA goals and building strong partnerships can enhance the effectiveness and reach of DEIA initiatives.
• Design and offer technical guidance for up to 5 DEIA activities across Northeast Syria in close cooperation with the Program team.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of DEIA interventions providing recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Liaise with stakeholders including government entities NGOs and community groups to advocate for and advance DEIA objectives.
• Prepare and present reports on DEIA activities and outcomes to internal and external audiences.

Results and/or Deliverables:

Consultant may be responsible for:

• Preparing and presenting reports on DEIA activities and outcomes (for internal and external audiences)
• Conducting thorough DEIA analyses of current programming
• Facilitating training sessions on DEIA principles and practices
• Providing expert advice and guidance to program staff local councils in Northeast Syria and Community Based Organizations
• Other similar tasks as needed.

Requirements

An overarching Renewable Consultant Agreement will be issued based on the capabilities and qualifications listed below as well as those listed in the individuals submitted CV.

General Capabilities

The DEIA Advisor will play a pivotal role in integrating gender equality and social inclusion strategies within our programming in Northeast Syria. The advisor will work closely with local councils including Raqqa Civil Council (RCC) Tabqa Civil Council (ECT) Deir Ezzor Civil Council (DCC) and AlJazeera Civil Council (ECJR) to develop and implement effective DEIA strategies and interventions particularly focusing on removing barriers to womens participation in the labor market.

Required Qualifications

1. Masters degree in Gender Studies International Development Social Sciences or a related field.
2. Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in GESI and DEIA programming with a strong preference for experience in conflictaffected or postconflict regions.
3. Demonstrated understanding of the intersection between gender social inclusion and climate change.
4. Familiarity with the USG strategies related to gender and climate change.
5. Excellent analytical strategic thinking and problemsolving skills.
6. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural team.
7. Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

Work Assignment:

Consultants with the requisite qualifications will be given a work order with accompanying renewable consulting agreement (RCA) which contains Creatives general terms and conditions and which establishes a consultants rate for a oneyear period after which rate increases may be negotiated when this agreement renews. Subsequent work orders may be issued under the RCA with consultants being required to compete against other similarly qualified consultants in order to receive additional work orders. Oneoff work orders constitute onetime assignments with a finite beginning and end. Ad hoc work orders constitute an arrangement in which work may be ongoing and authorized as needed by Creative.

Additional Information:

Please click on the links to download the Terms and Conditions Annex A (Reps Certs and Consents form) and W8; W9; and Vendor Information form as applicable. The forms are provided for your information at this stage in the solicitation process. Completed forms will be required only if you have been selected for the consulting opportunity. However you may complete sign and submit the forms as part of your response to this request.

Application Requirements:

Consultant should submit their daily rate and a budget inclusive of estimated LOE and all required Other Direct Costs such as travel materials etc. A budget template can be downloaded here. or you can make your own budget template.

Consultants must also submit an uptodate CV for all applications.

Selection will be made on the basis of technical capability and overall best value. Modifications to this solicitation including closing date extensions will be posted on the Creative website. Please check the website for updates. Please note that RCAs lock in a consultants rate for one full year and this rate may not be renegotiated again until the point of renewal.